One of the highlights of this season's concerts and the last of the year must be the excellent cello quartet "Cellissimo" which we heard at the Catholic Centre on Sunday 18th November; a versatile ensemble who played with great flair, energy and commitment..

Much of the programme was highly sophisticated, stylish and often very amusing. "Easy Winners" by Scott Joplin, "Tea for Two" arranged by Charles Martin, "Here, There and Everywhere" by Lennon and McCartney and "A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square" by Sherwin/Maschwitz were all played with real wit and panache.

There were however also moments of real beauty. The Bloch "Prayer" with its haunting melodic writing, the much loved Pachelbel Canon in D and the lush texture of the Nocturne from Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" were all played with thoughtful attention to phrasing and sensitive dynamic shading. A joy to listen to.

The programme opened with a stylish performance of a Boismortier sonata for four celli and ended with an arrangement of the "Thunderer" march by Souza played as an encore.

Cellissimo gave us a wonderful afternoon's music making allowing us to forget the terrible weather outside! Let's hope we hear this elegant ensemble again very soon.

Phoebe Woollam
November 2007

The Blenheim Music Circle was formed in 1987 to promote public concerts and recitals by professional musicians in the Chiswick area. Since its formation it has presented 120 concerts, which have featured more than 350 young musicians. It is entirely dependent on members’ subscriptions, ticket sales and advertising support from local businesses. The season runs from January to December and comprises six concerts presented in alternate months. All concerts in 2008 will be held at the Chiswick Catholic Centre

The membership subscription for all six concerts is £27 (£4.50 per concert)
Non-members’ admission at the door is £6. Details of the 2008 season and contacts are attached.